As airports become larger and more complex, there's growing interest in personalized assistance programs designed to ease the travel experience for those willing to pay. These services, offered by airlines and other companies for a fee, can include personal concierges, luggage assistance, expedited security access, and VIP lounge access. While potentially pricey, with costs varying based on services chosen, some travel experts, like Paul Tumpowsky of Fora Travel, recommend them for their ability to streamline the airport process. You often don't need to be a first-class passenger or frequent flier to book these services.
Major airlines offering premium services include Delta, United, American Airlines, Air France, and British Airways. Delta's VIP Select program, available at 11 domestic hubs, starts at $550 for the first passenger and $100 for each additional traveler, offering a guide, check-in and baggage help, Sky Club access, and sometimes a private car to the plane. United's Signature Service, available at 21 airports globally, begins around $250 per person, providing a greeter and escort through security to the airline's club. American Airlines' Five Star Service, offered at 22 U.S. and international airports, is exclusively for business or first-class passengers, costing $350 for the first person, $100 per additional adult, and $50 per child.
Independent providers also offer extensive services. Companies like Perq Soleil and Royal Airport Concierge operate in hundreds of airports worldwide, with meet-and-greet or transfer services in major international gateways in Europe and Asia potentially ranging from $250 to over $500 per person. Clear Concierge, a new service from Clear, offers members a personal escort from curb through security for $99, with more comprehensive services extending to the departure gate for $179, available at 23 major U.S. airports. For the ultimate luxury, PS (Private Suite) provides a separate terminal at airports like Los Angeles and Atlanta, offering full lounge amenities, private security, and direct car transfers to the plane, with prices starting at around $1,200 per person. PS Miami, for example, can cost up to $4,950 for day passes, including perks like caviar and champagne, though some travelers find it unnecessary if they already have TSA PreCheck and lounge access.
While these services offer convenience and reduce stress, they don't always save time, especially for international flights where specific arrival times are still required. For example, PS LAX suggests arriving two hours early for international flights. The value of these services often depends on the traveler's priorities, budget, and existing travel benefits. For those who rarely fly, experience travel anxiety, or lack benefits like TSA PreCheck or frequent-flier status, an expediter's assistance, particularly during peak travel times, could be highly beneficial, even if the price is steep. However, seasoned travelers with existing benefits might find the cost not always justified.
